19. Narconon says it has lots of studies proving its worth - are these of any use?

It is extraordinarily difficult to obtain copies of the studies cited by Narconon, which cites a 76% success rate but does not provide any sources for this figure. Two studies which it cites, carried out in Sweden and Spain, show success rates radically different from those claimed (in the Swedish case, 6.6% as opposed to 78.6%). Narconon also cites research papers written by a number of individuals in the United States. As these are invariably Scientologists or employees of Narconon or other Scientology-related organisations, there are serious doubts about their objectivity and likely bias. The papers are also usually published without having undergone peer review, an essential safeguard against bad or fraudulent science. Finally, Narconon also presents numerous "success stories" from allegedly satisfied clients. These are useless for the purpose of assessing Narconon's worth, as they are wholly subjective, written under compulsion and are self-selecting. (A dissatisfied client is hardly likely to write a "success story".)